Furnace arch



Aug- 25, 1942- H. w. BEECHER 2,294,108

FURNAGE ARCH Filed July 29, 1939 2`Sheets-Sheet 1 ATTORNEY Aug. 25,3942-' H. w. EEEQHER FURNACE ARCH Filed July 29, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 AINVENTOR Hf/v/Pr W Effe/iff?.

Q4 ATTORNEY Patented Aug. 25, 1942 antics f FURNACE ARCH Henry W.Beecher, Seattle, Wash., assignor to Gladding McBean & Company, Seattle,Wash..

a corporation of California Application July 29, 1939, serial No.287,276 l claims. (ci. 11o-.99)

This invention relates to furnaces of those kinds having wall liningsconstructed of refractory tile, and it has reference more particularlyto improvements in the construction of furnaces, particuiarly withreference to the design of refractories, in their assembled relationshipand in the means for functionally suspending the tile or refractorles inthat portion of the furnace known as the arch.

It is vthe principal object of this invention to provide refractories ofspecial design and suspending means therefor of novel construction, thatconstitute improvements upon present-day furnace detail, especially withreference to the facilitating of construction, serviceability,durability, cost of construction and provision for replacement ofperishable parts.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a furnace archstructure using refractory tile designed for assembly in units the unitsto be individually suspended. Also, a structure wherein the designpermits easy and ready assembly of units with the frame or structuralparts and a1- lows the necessary shifting of supports and refractoriesto compensate for movement that is due to expansion and contraction;wherein al1 replacements of refractories may be made from the outside ofthe furnace and wherein all through joints are adapted to be closed orsealed by `use of standard bricks, laid in place over the `ioints andreadily removable when repair or replacement of tile is desired.

It is also an object of this invention to provide hangers of novel formfor the tile units compris ing the complemcntal, or paired refractories;and which are adapted to be applied to or removed from their supportingbeams at any position therealong; which may be shifted along the beamswithout necessitating detachment, to clear them,

of the refractories suspended thereby for removal or displacement of thelatter, and to leave the space unobstructed` for insertion ofreplacements.

Stili further objects of the present inventionthereto and in thecombination of parts of the steel frame structure, including beamsy andhangers, together with the present refractories,

whereby a furnace arch may be constructed at a cost comparable to costsof such structures now in general use.

Other objects of the invention reside in the details of construction,and combination of the various parts, and in their mode of assembly anduse as will hereinafter be fully described.

In accomplishing these and other objects of the invention, I haveprovided the improved details of construction, the preferred forms ofwhich are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein- Fig. 1 is avertical, sectional view of a portion of a furnacey embodying an archconstructed in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged, cross sectional detail of the furnace arch, asseen on line 2-2 in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a top or plan View of a part of the furnace arch; parts beingbroken away for better illustration. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of thepaired tile used in the furnace arch and together constituting a tileunit.

Fig. 5 is a sectional detail showing an alternative arrangement of tileat the junction of the flat and sloping portions of the arch. Y

It is to be understood that arches may be of various designs and stillemploy the construction that is embodied in the present invention. Forexample, in the present instance, I. have shown an arch comprising a,flat section, and an inclined section leading to a curtain wailpthisbeing what is referred to as a drop nose arch. However, the arch mightbe all at and equipped with a right angie nose and not depart in` anyway from the lspirit of the invention.

Referring more in detail to the drawings.-

Ihe frame structure of a furnace, usingthe present design, may` vary indetail according to the'particular requirements and conditionsbut it maybe said that it will generally include the necessary vertical supports,such as columns, or walls, not herein shown; a 'plurality of horizontalcross girders it, which may be fixed to the columns or supported in thefurnace walls, for supporting the furnace arch, and a similar girder ii, here shown at a lower level, for the support of the nose tile andcurtain wall; these girders iii and li being preferably of `I-beam form,as shown best in Fig. i, and of a size and spacing to meet theparticular requirements.

Supported by connection with the base flanges i0' of the girders iii,and extending horizontally shown.

It is to be observed that the stringers I3 are downwardly inclined fromgirder I to girder Il and that the horizontal beams I4, xed thereto,extend at right angles to the direction of beams I2.

Referring now more in detail to the flat portion of the furnace archconstruction, and particularly with reference to the structure asillustrated in Figs. 1 and 2: It will be observed that the fiat arch,designated in its entirety by numeral I5, is suspended principally fromthrough the mediacy of the beams I2 and certain hangers IB, laterdescribed in detail, that are applied to these beams. The Suspended, atarch is made up of refractory tile, assembled in pairs, and the pairsare arranged in juxtaposi tion to form rows of tile; the rows being sideby side in juxtaposition to form the arch, and each pair of tile beingsuspended from a beam by a hanger I6. Each pair of tile and its hanger,I refer to as a tile unit for convenience in explanation.

In Fig. 2 as shown the assembled relationship of paired tile and hangersto form the units and also the close relationship of parallel rows ofunits as suspended from adjacent beams I2. Each unit comprises a rightand left, or cornplemental tile, I1 and I8, each tile consisting of arectangular, block-like body portion with an integral suspending portionextending from its upper surface; these being designated respectively byreference numerals ISR. and I9L, as noted best in Fig. 4. The inner, oradjacent vertical faces I1 and I8 of the base or body portions of thecomplemental tile are in close, engaging contact, as are also theadjacent vertical faces I9 and I9a of the suspending portions of thecomplemental tile, and it is to be observed that the' plane of the jointbetween these suspending portions is laterally offset, as at |9zv, fromthe plane of the joint between the body surfaces, thus to provide aclosed or sealed joint between paired tile. The projections togetherprovide a suspending lug that is centrally of the tile unit and oflesser width than the unit, both in the direction measured transverselyof the beam, as seen in Fig. 2, or longitudinally of the beam, as notedin Fig. 1, thus providing space between the lugs of adjacent units.'Also, each lug has vertical, lateral surfaces ISf, and these are formedwith horizontal, laterally opening grooves or channels thereacross whichare designed to receive the end portions of a suspending or supportinghanger IB, as later described.

With the complemental tile assembled in units, as shown, and the unitssuspended from each beam in juxtaposition to form a row, the suspendinglugs will be in alignment lengthwise of the rows, and the rows will bein juxtaposition and parallel. Also, when the pairs of tile aresuspended in the intended, close relationship along the beams I2, asnoted in Fig. 2, the adjacent, vertical surfaces of tile in the adjacentrows will engage together in a close joint. However, space is providedbetween the girders III- I0- the vertical edges of suspending lugs oftile of adjacent rows, to receive ller, or joint sealing bricks 2|, andthis space between lugs of adjacent rows is predetermined and is such asto receive bricks of standard dimensions, lengthwise between rows oflugs and overlying the joints between rows, as shown both in the slopingportion of the arch in Fig. 1 and in section in Fig. 2. Also, thesuspending lugs are of such height and the channels 20 are so disposedtherein that the filler, or joint closing bricks will not interfere withthe applying or removal of hangers I6.

In the present arrangement, filler bricks 22 of standard form are alsoinserted on edge between the lugs of adjacent pairs in the same row toclose or cover the joint between paired tile; these latter filler bricksbeing known as splits. and have a length equal to the distance acrossthe suspending lug of any unit or pair, thus providing that they willnot interfere with the applying or removal of the bricks 2l overlyingthe joint between rows of tile. Also, these bricks 2| extend between theadjacent rows of bricks 20.

Each hanger I6 suspends a pair of tile, and comprises a horizontal barI6', with downwardly extending legs IGa and I6b at its opposite ends,each with an inturned toe IIic; these being designed for projection intothe laterally opening channels 20 in the opposite faces of thesuspending lug of the tile unit. Medially of and at the top of the barI6' is a socket 3D adapted to receive therein the oppositely extendingbase flanges of a cross beam I2, as shown in Fig. 2, and, at oppositesides of the socket, there are portions 3I3I' extending inwardly andsupportingly overlying the edge portions of the opposite side flanges ofthe beam. The width of the socket 30, measured lengthwise of bar I6', issuch as to permit of a limited endwise movement of the bar, which issufficient for unseating the portion 3I from the corresponding `iiangefor detachment of the hanger. When the hanger is in use, however, asseen in Fig. 2, a key 32 is removably applied to the socket, as a wedgebetween the edge of a flange at one side of the beam and the end of thesocket, to retain the hanger functionally ilxed to the beam. Removal ofthe key will permit longitudinal shifting of bar I6' and thedisconnection of the hanger from the beam if this is desired, or willfree it for adjustment along the beam, without disconnection therefrom.

If it should be desired at any time to remove a damaged tile from thearch for replacement. or repair, the procedure is, first to merely liftout the adjacent joint sealing filler bricks 2l and 22. Then the key 32that is applied to the hanger, whereby the tile to be replaced issuspended, is removed, and the hanger is shifted along the supportingbeam I2 to clear it of the suspending lug of the unit that is to beremoved. Then the released pair of tile or unit is knocked free andallowed to drop into the furnace or, by certain manipulation, they couldbe lifted out. The tile to replace the single, or the pair removed, canthen be assembled and inserted, from above the arch into the opening,and the hanger I6 again shifted back into suspending position with itsopposite end portions applied in the lug recesses 20. Then the key 32 isagain applied to hold the hanger against release. The filler bricks 2Iand 22 are again replaced, and the repair is completed. It will be herementioned that it is also possible to make repairs from inside thefurnace when the furnace is not in use.

In this above described arrangement, the tile units hang with some playin the hangers II and also the hangers have a certain freedom ofmovement of play on the suspending beams I2. and the beams have play onthe supporting girders. This is to compensate for movement caused byexpansion and contraction of parts under varying conditions oftemperature. It is a feature of this construction that theI beams I2have horizontal slots or notches 28 in the end edges adapted to receivethe flanges I' of the beams I0 and to allow a limited endwise shiftingof the beams I2 as well as a lateral sliding along the flanges of beamsI0.

In that portion of the arch` that slopes downwardly to the nose, tileidentical to those of the flat portion are used, and these are arrangedin pairs or units suspended by the hangers I6 from the beams I4; themode of suspension being the same as in the nat portion of thearch, butthe rows of tile extend transversely'of, or at right angles to those ofthe flat portion. In this sloping portion of the arch. as in the flatportion, it is desirable that the under surface of the wall be perfectlyflush or flat. However, due to the play or looseness that is provided inthe connection between hangers I6 and flanges of the beams I4, and alsothe play between the inturned toes or hooks of the hangers and channels20 of the tile, the bottom surfaces of tile in adjacent rows would bestepped unless provision were made to compensate for this play.Therefore, in order that the bottom surfaces of all tile in one row willbe caused to lie in the plane of bottom surfaces of any otherv row, thecross beams I4 are slightly tilted by the insertion of shims or wedges38 b etween the base anges of the girders I3 and flanges I4' of thebeams I4 at the lower side. This causes the beams I4 to be inclined atsuch angle as to compensate for the unevenness that otherwise wouldresult from the play in connections between beams, hangers and tile, andkeeps all under surfaces of the tile in this section in the same plane.

At the junction of the section of refractories which constitute the flatarch portion with the tile of the sloping section, special wedge shapes,as at 35, are inserted, and these, by reason of their shape, need nohangers. As an alternative structure, the side edges of the tile o f thefirst row in the sloping section may be beveled off, as has beenillustrated at 36 in Fig. 5, to provide a close joint with the verticalsurfaces of adjacent tile. In this case, no special shape need bemanufactured, but it is only necessary to alter a shape alreadyprovided. It will be observed in this alternative structure of Fig. 5,the beam I3' is not xed at its end to the girder I0, but is provided atthe sides with horizontal flanges 40 adapted to slide upon the flangesI0 of girder I0 to provide movement that will compensate for temperaturechanges.

The lower row of tile of the sloping section of the arch are fitted in astraight joint, as at 45, to the inner course of the nose portion of thearch comprised by the two courses of tile designated at @Sand 4l. Acourse of standard brick 48, on edge, is placed upon the courses toclose the joint.

It will here be mentioned that the nose and curtain structure shown aresubjects of separate applications and will not be further describedherein.

The present arch structure provides convenient and easy repair orreplacement of tile without requiring shut down, as all work may be donefrom 'outside the furnace. The constructionembodies few different shapesof tile, and is thus relatively inexpensive from this standpoint. Also,all jlnts may be adequately sealed by use of standard brick and thus therequirement for special tile for this purpose is eliminated.

A special advantage in this structure is that in the suspending of pairsof tile in each row. expansionjoints may be provided as thoughtnecessary along the rows and also between the rows. When the furnace isbrought up to heat, the tile will shift as required to compensate forexpansion without any damage. On cooling of the furnace, the tile willretain their spacing as no forces `are present that will tend to pullthem back and no stresses accumulate to create damage to tile orstructure.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new therein anddesire to\ secure by Letters Patent is:

l. In a furnace arch, a tile unit comprising two rectangular tile ofsubstantially the same size, assembled in face to face contact andtogether forming a rectangular block; each tile having an integralprojection at its upper end, coacting with that of the complemental tileto. provide a suspending lug for the unit; said projecting portionsbeing fitted together face to face in a joint that lies in a planeparallel to the plane of the joint between the tile but offsettherefrom, and each of said projecting portions having a groove acrossits outside face, and a hanger for the unit comprising a cross bardisposed across the lug transversely of the joint and having downturnedlegs at its ends extended down across the grooved surfaces of the lugand with toes on said legs extended into said grooves; said hangerhavlimits of the lug, and said lug being of lesser width than the block,to allow disengagement of,

the hanger therefrom without disturbing the block when it is assembledwith others in an arch.

2. 'I'he combination with a supporting beam having a transverse flangealong its base edge, of a tile hanger comprising a cross bar disposedtransversely of and directly beneath the beam flange and formed withdepending parts for supporting contact with a tile, and formed in itstop edge intermediate its ends, with an upwardly opening recess forreceiving the base flange of the beam therein, and having integralinwardly extending shoulders at the ends of the recess for overlying theopposite edges of the flange to support the hanger from the beam; saidrecess being greater in length than the width of the beam flange topermit endwise shifting of the bar relative thereto to disengage one ofsaid shoulders from the beam flange, for release of the bar from thebeam.

3. The combination with a supporting beam having a transverse baseilange. of a tile hanger comprising a cross bar disposed transversely of4and directly beneath the beam flange and formed bar in that direction.and a key applied between the edge of the beam and other end of recessfor normally retaining the bar against endwise movement.

4. In a furnace arch, a frame comprising spaced horizontal girders.beams extending between the girders and having supporting contacttherewith at their ends permitting their lateral shifting on thegirders, hangers suspended from the beams and individually adjustabletherealong, tiles suspended by the hangers and said tiles as suspendedfrom each beam being in juxtaposition and forming a row; said rows beingin juxtaposition in the arch; each of said tiles having a suspendinglug, and said lugs or the same row being spaced apart, and said hangersbeing individually shittable along their supporting beams for theirdisengagement from supporting .contact with the lugs of theircorresponding tiles.

and without disturbing adiacent tiles of the row. 5. The combinationwith a supporting beam having a transverse flange along its base edge,

of a tile hanger'comprising a cross bar disposed transversely of anddirectly beneath the beam ilange and formed with depending parts forsupporting contact with a tile, and formed in its top edge intermediateits ends. with an upwardly opening recess for receiving the base ange ofthe beam therein, and having inwardly extending shoulders at the ends ofthe recess for overlying the opposite edges oi! the flange t0 supportthe hanger from the beam; said recess being greater in length than thewidth of the beam flange to permit endwise shifting ot the bar relativethereto. and one of said shoulders having less overhang than the otherand adapted to be disengaged from the beam flange for release of thehanger by shifting the hanger lengthwise toward that end of the recess;and a key removably inserted between the edge of the beam ilange and endof the recess equipped with the shoulder of least overhang to restrainthe bar from releasing movement.

HENRY W. BEECHER.

